The winter season has been so-so thus far, maybe a few storms here and there but we're Syracuse, and those little snow flurries have nothing on us. As for running, my running partner Abbey (my American Foxhound) and I have already enjoyed two great trail runs in the past week. Although the snow and ice continue to stick around, and the footing isn't the greatest, we were able to conquer some of the snow shoe trails dug out for us at Green Lakes and Highland Forrest.
What I love so much about trail running is that being out in the fresh air and quiet stillness of the forrest can be rather therapeutic. Whether it is the sun shining through the pines or glistening off of the white capped snow drifts, the cool whistling breeze, or something as simple as following those little foot prints left from a bunny's early morning jog, it is all so refreshing to me. These runs are why I love living here in Central New York. Yeah Yeah, I know, it's cold, windy and we get dumped on over and over again with snow, but throw an extra layer of clothing on and get your butt out into nature and just observing and enjoy it. I promise you, you won't be disappointed.
I have recently changed the name of the this blog to "Syracuse Trail Running and Beyond" for My wife and I like to run everywhere and anywhere we get the chance. We especially love running in the Finger Lakes area and are now very excited for the Finger Lakes Trail to be connected to the town of Naples, NY. (Camp Johnson) The FLT has been increasing it's length and will hopefully be completed (with State Funds) by next year. This trail begins in Jamestown, NY and will cover over 500 miles of trails all the way to foothills of the Catskill Mountains. Thanks to a lot of dedicated Trail Running and hiking enthusiasts as well as a BIG THANK YOU to the land owners, who have given permission so that we may utilize their land and see and feel this beautiful New York State of ours.
So if you are an avid runner and reader, stay tuned for more to come in the next few weeks, for I believe that the snow will be melting and that we all will have a chance to get out and hit the trails before the April showers come pouring in. (Pictures and Group Run Calendar to follow sometime in May) Mud it up!
-Ryan
